We like to call this our “Bike and Boat” tour. Beginning and ending in Mestre, just outside of Venice, this four-day bike vacation will expose you to all of the aquatic and architectural magic of Venice and its environs. Highlights in Venice alone include the Rialto Bridge, Doge’s Palace, Saint Mark’s Basilica and the Palazzo Grassi. In between stays in Mestre, you’ll board a ferry and lodge in Chiogga, a smaller version of Venice located on the south end of the Venetian Lagoon. You’ll also pedal inland and lodge in Padova (also known as Padua) one of Earth’s greatest cultural hubs. This bustling city has a long history of attracting world-class artists, architects, writers and thinkers.

Padova’s openness to creative pursuits is reflected in its streets, where you’ll find landmarks such as the Palazza Del Capitano, the Basilica of Sant’Antonio and the Cathedral. The return pedal follows the Brenta Canal. Often referred to as “Venice’s Riviera,” elaborate villas and palaces built by wealthy Venetians line both sides of the canal and once even attracted the attention of Napoleon. The short length of this tour makes it a perfect vacation choice, especially during long holiday weekends.

Itinerary

Day 1 (Tuesday or Wednesday): Arrival in Mestre

Head to your hotel located in the heart of Mestre. This coastal city is the mainland link to Venice, separated by only 6 km (4 miles) of water. The earlier you arrive, the more time you’ll have for exploring Venice, the world’s only all-pedestrian city. Trains from Mestre to Venice depart every 15 minutes. Piazza San Marco tops Venice’s must-see list. Universally recognized as one of the planet’s greatest manmade landmarks, the piazza houses the Doge’s Palace, Saint Mark’s Basilica and Saint Mark’s Clocktower. The Rialto Bridge, another Venetian icon, demands gotta-visit status as well. The oldest of four bridges (1591) that span the Grand Canal symbolizes Venice’s aquatic uniqueness more than any other landmark.

Today you’ll pedal to the Venetian Lagoon via the Ponte della Libertá. This bridge spans 4 km (2.5 miles) and represents the main link between Venice and the mainland. You’ll bicycle to Tronchetto Harbor and then board a ferry to Lido, a sliver of an island that plays host to the Venice Film Festival each year. Your ferry will travel via the Giudecca Canal, passing waterside villas and palaces and bobbing gondolas. Upon reaching Lido you’ll pedal south, straddling the Venetian Lagoon on your right and Adriatic Sea on your left. Eventually you’ll reach Chioggia, home for the night. This lagoon town is often referred to as a smaller version of Venice, and features many architectural attractions, including the Church of San Martino, a 14th century Gothic marvel.

Today you’ll pedal inland into the heart of Italy’s Veneto region, following the historic paths of the Brenta Canal and the Bacchiglione River. Along the way, perched along the Brenta Canal, you’ll pass Stra’s famous Villa Pisani. Built in the 18th century, this national monument features an elaborate frescoed ceiling painted by Giovanni Tiepolo and once owned by Napoleon. At night you’ll lodge in Padova (also referred to as Padua), a bustling city that attracts artists, architects and writers. Sites abound, including the University of Padua, founded in 1222. Over the years, it has attracted some of the world’s greatest scholars including Copernicus and Galileo. In addition, Padova also houses the Palazza Del Capitano, the Palazzo Della Ragione, and the Caffé Pedrocchi, one of the largest cafés in the world and former hangout of English poet Lord Byron.

Enjoy another easy ride through the Veneto region’s flat countryside. You’ll follow the path of the Brenta Canal, or what many refer to as “Venice’s Riviera.” Both sides of the canal are lined with massive villas and palaces built by wealthy Venetians between the 15th and 18th centuries. These awe-inspiring structures showcase works by some of Italy’s greatest architects (Scamozzi, Contini, Jappelli) and artists (Angeli, Zelotti, Schiavoni), making the entire ride feel like you’re pedaling through one of the planet’s largest open-air art museums. In Mestre, you’ll conveniently drop your bike off at the same hotel that you initially stayed at and thus conclude your tour.

Day 5 (Saturday or Sunday): Departure

After breakfast, depart Mestre at the time of your choice.

Booking & Pricing

From 440 euros per person based on double occupancy.

440 euros per person in April and October. Single supplement is 120 euros.

515 euros per person in May, June, and September. Single supplement is 130 euros

565 euros per person in July and August. Single supplement is 140 euros

These prices include:

4 nights' accommodation in 4-star hotels

Daily breakfast

Meeting with our local representative

Luggage transfers

Marked maps and/or cue sheets and route notes

Tourist information

Assistance if necessary (you will be provided with our local rep’s mobile number)

Service charges and most taxes

These prices do not include:

Nominal city taxes, to be paid in cash directly at each hotel

Expenses of a personal nature

Travel insurance

Bicycle rentals. Hybrid bikes are available at the rate of 70 euros per bike.

For further information or reservations: Please book online at your
earliest convenience as this trip is subject to hotel availability. Our
e-mail address: info@cyclomundo.com